Shoe accessory for a saw

ABSTRACT

An accessory for a reciprocating saw, having a blade configured to cut a workpiece and a shoe including a guiding surface for engaging the workpiece, includes a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The body includes a member proximate the second face for coupling the accessory to the shoe. A guiding surface is defined on the first face of the body for engaging a workpiece and an opening is formed in the body for receiving the blade. The guiding surface constitutes a modified surface configured to differ from the guiding surface of the shoe by at least one characteristic.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a shoe accessory for a saw, and, moreparticularly, to an accessory for a reciprocating saw shoe and anaccessory for a band saw shoe.

Shoes for reciprocating saws typically include a flat or planar surfacefor engaging a workpiece. The planar surface is positioned normal to ablade of the reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw is held by a userand positioned by the user with respect to the workpiece. The shoe doesnot aid in locating the tool with respect to the workpiece, but acts asa stop to limit the depth of the saw blade into the workpiece and toprevent the workpiece from engaging the saw blade at a connection of thesaw blade to the tool.

Band saw shoes, or workpiece bumpers, typically include a flat or planarsurface for engaging a workpiece. The flat surface lies normal to aportion of a saw blade located in a cut zone of the saw where theworkpiece is cut. As such, a band saw shoe guides the workpiece withrespect to the tool such that a perpendicular cut is made through theworkpiece.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides an accessory for areciprocating saw having a blade configured to cut a workpiece and ashoe including a guiding surface for engaging the workpiece. Theaccessory includes a body having a first face and a second face oppositethe first face, the body including a member proximate the second facefor coupling the accessory to the shoe. A guiding surface is defined onthe first face of the body for engaging a workpiece, and an opening isformed in the body for receiving the blade. The guiding surfaceconstitutes a modified surface configured to differ from the guidingsurface of the shoe by at least one characteristic.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a power tool including amain body having a motor configured to transfer motion to a cuttingblade and a shoe extending from the main body. The shoe includes a firstguiding surface for engaging a workpiece and an opening through whichthe cutting blade passes. The power tool also includes a shoe accessoryremovably coupled to the shoe. The shoe accessory includes a rearsurface facing the first guiding surface of the shoe and a secondguiding surface opposite the rear surface and for engaging theworkpiece. The second guiding surface has at least one characteristicthat differs from the first guiding surface.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an accessory for areciprocating saw having a shoe. The accessory includes a body having afirst face and a second face opposite the first face, the body forcoupling to the shoe wherein the body covers a guiding surface of theshoe. A guiding surface of the body is defined by the first face of thebody and for engaging a workpiece, wherein the guiding surface of thebody provides a modified surface that differs from the guiding surfaceof the shoe. The accessory includes an opening formed in the body forreceiving a blade of the reciprocating saw and a projection formed onthe second face of the body for coupling the accessory to the shoe byabutting a portion of the shoe.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a power toolincluding a main body having a motor configured to transfer motion to acutting blade, a shoe extending from the main body, and a shoe accessoryremovably coupled to the shoe. The shoe includes a first guiding surfacefor engaging a workpiece and a first opening through which the cuttingblade passes. The shoe accessory includes a rear surface facing thefirst guiding surface of the shoe, a second guiding surface opposite therear surface and for engaging the workpiece, the second guiding surfacehaving at least one characteristic that differs from the first guidingsurface, a second opening through which the cutting blade passes, thesecond opening configured to align with the first opening when the shoeaccessory is coupled to the shoe, and a projection formed on the rearface of the accessory for coupling the accessory to the shoe by abuttinga portion of the shoe.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an accessory guide for areciprocating saw. The accessory guide includes a shaft having a firstend and a second end, an attachment portion at the first end of theshaft, the attachment portion for coupling the shaft to thereciprocating saw, and a positioning portion rotatably coupled to thesecond end of the shaft. The positioning portion includes a first guidemember having a first flange with first and second guide surfacespositioned substantially perpendicular to each other, the first flangefor engaging an edge of a workpiece, and a second guide member having asecond flange defining a pivot point about which a circular cut is made.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a reciprocating sawincluding a main body including a motor configured to transfer motion toa cutting blade, a shoe extending from the main body, and an accessoryguide removably coupled to the shoe. The accessory guide includes ashaft having a first end and a second end, an attachment portion at thefirst end of the shaft and coupled to the shoe, and a positioningportion rotatably coupled to the second end of the shaft. Thepositioning portion includes a first guide member having a first flangewith first and second guide surfaces substantially perpendicular to eachother, the first flange for engaging an edge of a workpiece, and thepositioning portion having a second guide member including an apertureconfigured to define a pivot point about which a circular cut is made.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an angle guide for aband saw. The angle guide includes a guide body for coupling to the bandsaw, a first engaging surface of the body for engaging a workpieceduring a cutting operation of the band saw, the first engaging surfacedefining a first plane, a second surface of the body defining a secondplane, wherein the second plane is substantially non-parallel to thefirst plane, and a tool side edge of the body for being positionedadjacent the band saw, the tool side edge defining a third plane,wherein a cut angle is defined by an angle between the first plane andthe third plane.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a band saw includinga continuous saw blade, a motor operable to drive the continuous sawblade to cut a workpiece, a frame that supports the motor, and aworkpiece bumper coupled to the frame and including a slot that theblade passes through. The workpiece bumper includes a first engagingsurface defining a first plane, wherein the first engaging surface isgenerally perpendicular to the blade as the blade passes through theslot. The band saw also includes an angle guide coupled to the workpiecebumper. The angle guide includes a second engaging surface for engaginga workpiece during a cutting operation of the band saw, the secondengaging surface defining a second plane, and a third surface defining athird plane wherein the third plane is non-parallel to the second plane.A cut angle is defined by an angle between the second plane and thefirst plane.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a shoe assembly for areciprocating saw.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of the shoe assembly of FIG. 1 including ashoe accessory according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the shoe assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the shoe accessory of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a shoe assembly according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the shoe assembly of FIG. 1including a shoe accessory according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a reciprocating saw havinga shoe assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a reciprocating saw havinga shoe assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a reciprocating saw havinga shoe assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a reciprocating saw havinga shoe assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a reciprocating saw having a shoeassembly.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 12including a shoe accessory according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective of the shoe assembly of FIG. 12 includingthe shoe accessory of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the shoe assembly of FIG. 12including the shoe accessory of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 12including another shoe accessory according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective of the shoe assembly of FIG. 12 includingthe shoe accessory of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the shoe assembly of FIG. 12including the shoe accessory of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the shoe assembly of FIG. 12including a circle and edge guide according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a band saw having a workpiece bumper.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the band saw of FIG. 22 including anangle guide according to one embodiment of the invention and aworkpiece.

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of the workpiece bumper of FIG. 22and the angle guide of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is an exploded view of the workpiece bumper and the angle guideof FIG. 23.

FIG. 23B is a rear perspective view of the workpiece bumper of FIG. 22and an angle guide according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23C is an exploded view of the workpiece bumper and the angle guideof FIG. 23B.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the angle guide (phantom) and the workpiece ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the workpiece bumper of FIG. 22, theangle guide of FIG. 22A, and other constructions of the angle guide.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of other constructions of the workpiecebumper of FIG. 22 and the angle guide of FIG. 22A.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe assembly 10 for use with a tool 14, such as areciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw 14 (FIGS. 8-11) generallyincludes a main body 18 having an electric motor (not shown) providedwith power via an electric cord (an AC version) or a battery pack (a DCversion). The motor provides reciprocating motion to a reciprocatingspindle by a mechanical arrangement (not shown) to reciprocate a sawblade 22.

The shoe assembly 10 includes a shoe support 26 and a shoe 30. The shoeassembly 10 is secured relative to the main body 18 of the reciprocatingsaw 14 and provides a guiding surface 32 for resting the tool 14 againsta workpiece (not shown) during cutting operations. The shoe support 26includes a longitudinally-extending post 34 that is at least partiallydisposed within an orifice 38 of the main body 18 of the tool 14 (FIGS.8-11). In some embodiments, the shoe support 26 is axially movablerelative to the main body 18 of the tool 14. The shoe 30 is mounted onthe shoe support 26 relative to the main body 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shoe 30 includes a main portion 42, a bottomwall 46, a top wall 50, and side walls 54 a, 54 b. The main portion 42includes an opening 58 sized and shaped to receive the saw blade 22. Theopening 58 may be any shape configured to receive the saw blade 22. Themain portion 42 further includes a workpiece side 62, which defines theguiding surface 32 and is positioned proximate the workpiece, and a toolside 66 (FIG. 3) opposite the workpiece side 62. The sidewalls 54 a, 54b are connected to the shoe support 26 by fasteners 70, such as rivets.In other embodiments, the shoe may be pivotally connected to the shoesupport by similar fastening mechanisms. In such embodiments, thepivoting shoe allows the saw blade to be positioned at a range of anglesrelative to the workpiece.

The shoe 30 provides the guiding surface 32 (e.g., workpiece side 62 ofthe main portion 42) for using the shoe assembly 10 in relation to theworkpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding surface 32 is flator planar. The bottom wall 46 is located on one end of the main portion42 opposite the top wall 50. The bottom wall 46 provides an additionalsurface to enable positioning of the shoe assembly 10 against theworkpiece. The top wall 50 extends in a direction toward the tool 14 toprovide a grip for a user. The top wall 50 allows the user to grip theshoe 30 at the top wall 50 and enable better positioning of the toolagainst the workpiece. The shoe 30 is manufactured of metal; however, inother embodiments, the shoe may be manufactured from plastic or similarmaterial. The shoe 30 is manufactured via stamping; however, in otherembodiments, the shoe may be molded or formed from other manufacturingmethods.

A shoe accessory 74 for use with the shoe assembly 10 is illustrated inFIGS. 2-5. The shoe accessory 74 snaps on or otherwise couples to theshoe 30 of the shoe assembly 10 and surrounds the workpiece side 62 ofthe shoe 30 (i.e., covers the guiding surface 32 of the shoe 30 suchthat in operation only the shoe accessory 74 engages the workpiece). Theshoe accessory 74 includes a main body, or main portion 78, a bottomwall 82, a top wall 86, and sidewalls 90 a, 90 b, which functionsimilarly to the main portion 42, bottom wall 46, top wall 50, andsidewalls 54 a, 54 b of the shoe 30. The top wall 86 extends rearwardfrom a top edge of the main portion 78, the bottom wall 82 extendsrearward from a bottom edge of the main portion 78, and the pair of sidewalls 90 a, 90 b extends rearward from opposite side edges of the bodybetween the bottom and top walls 82, 86.

The shoe accessory 74 provides a modified guiding surface 64 forengaging the workpiece that differs from the guiding surface 32 providedby the shoe 30 by at least one characteristic, as will be explained ingreater detail below. The shoe accessory 74 is formed of plastic toprevent burring or other marking of the workpiece. However, in otherembodiments, the shoe accessory may be comprised of metal or similarmaterial. The shoe accessory is formed by molding or other manufacturingmethods.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the shoe accessory 74 includes a first row ofnotches or teeth 94 a and a second row of notches or teeth 94 b on aworkpiece side or face 65 of the main portion 78. The workpiece face 65is opposite a tool side 68 (FIG. 4) of the shoe accessory 74. The toolside 68 includes a rear surface that faces the guiding surface 32 of theshoe 30. The rows of teeth 94 a, 94 b are positioned adjacent an opening96 formed in the main portion 78. The opening 96 corresponds to andaligns with the opening 58 of the shoe 30 to allow the saw blade 22 topass through. The teeth 94 a, 94 b are configured to grip the workpiecebeing cut by the saw blade 22. The rows of teeth 94 a, 94 b constitute acharacteristic that distinguishes the guiding surface 64 provided by theaccessory 74 from the guiding surface 32 provided by the shoe 30. Thus,the shoe accessory 74 provides a modified guiding surface. In otherembodiments, the shoe accessory may include fewer or more teeth. Theteeth 94 a, 94 b are shown as extending the length of the opening 96.However, in other embodiments, the row of teeth may not extend the fulllength of the opening, such as for example, but not limited to, a row ofteeth extending only half of the length of the opening. In still otherembodiments, the row of teeth may extend the width of the opening, suchas for example, along the top and bottom of the opening. In still otherembodiments, the teeth may be positioned at other locations on theworkpiece face 65.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory 74, includinga pair of projections 98 extending away from each of the top wall 86 andthe bottom wall 82 (i.e., extending towards the opposite wall). Theprojections 98 retain the shoe accessory 74 on the shoe 30 by abuttingan edge surface of the bottom wall 46 and the top wall 50 of the shoe 30(FIG. 3). The shoe accessory 74 also includes a grip extension 102extending upwardly from the top wall 86 (i.e., away from the bottom wall82). The grip extension 102 provides a grip location for a user whencoupling and decoupling the shoe accessory 74 from the shoe 30, as wellas when manipulating the shoe assembly 10 during use.

FIG. 6 shows a shoe assembly 110 for a reciprocating saw 14 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The shoe assembly 110 shown in FIG.6 includes similar structure to the shoe assembly 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 and described above; therefore, like structure is identifiedby the same reference numeral. The shoe 30 of the shoe assembly 110includes main portion 42, bottom wall 46, top wall 50, and sidewalls 54a, 54 b. The shoe 30 further includes extensions 134 a, 134 b extendingrearward from the shoe 30 (i.e., away from the workpiece face 62) atintersections between the top wall 50 and the respective sidewall 54 a,54 b. A V-shaped notch 138 is positioned between the extensions 134 a,134 b, and provides an additional grip location for the user to grip andmanipulate the tool 14 or the shoe assembly 110.

FIG. 7 illustrates the shoe assembly 10 of FIG. 1 including a shoeaccessory 214 according to another embodiment of the invention. The shoeaccessory 214 shown in FIG. 7 includes similar structure to the shoeaccessory 74 illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and described above; therefore,like structure is identified by the same reference numeral. The shoeaccessory 214 includes the main portion 78, bottom wall 82, top wall 86,sidewalls 90 a, 90 b, and opening 96. Extensions 218 a, 218 b extendrearward from the shoe accessory 214, and away from the workpiece face65, at the intersections between the top wall 86 and the respectivesidewalls 90 a, 90 b. A V-shaped notch 226 is positioned between theextensions 218 a, 218 b and provides an additional grip location for theuser to grip and manipulate the tool 14 or the shoe assembly 10.

The shoe accessory 214 also includes two rounded or curved segments 230a, 230 b that extend downwardly from the bottom wall 82 and outwardly,or forwardly, from the face 65 at the respective sidewalls 90 a, 90 b.That is, the sidewalls 90 a, 90 b extend downwardly from the bottom wall82 of the main portion 78 to define the curved segments 230 a, 230 b.The segments 230 a, 230 b provide an additional grip location for theuser and a pivot surface 234 (i.e., modified guiding surface 64) toposition the shoe assembly 10 against the workpiece. The segments 230 a,230 b constitute a characteristic that distinguishes the guiding surface64 provided by the accessory 214 from the guiding surface 32 provided bythe shoe 30. Thus, the shoe accessory 214 provides a modified guidingsurface. In other constructions, the shoe accessory 214 may include onlythe extensions 218 a, 218 b or the segments 230 a, 230 b.

FIG. 8 illustrates a shoe assembly 310 for a reciprocating saw 14according to another embodiment of the invention. The shoe assembly 310shown in FIG. 8 includes similar structure to the shoe assemblies 10 and110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, respectively, and described above;therefore, like structure is identified by the same reference numeral.The shoe assembly 310 includes a shoe 314 coupled to the shoe support 26by fastener 70. The shoe 314 has a generally U-shaped slot 326 thatreceives the saw blade 22. The saw blade 22 extends through the slot 326with a top portion 22 a of the saw blade 22 extending above the shoe314. The configuration of shoe 314 allows for close cutting operationsin which the saw blade 22 and the main body 18 are positioned near theworkpiece. In other embodiments, the features of the shoe accessoriesdiscussed above may be incorporated into a shoe accessory for use withshoe 314.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shoe assembly 410 for the reciprocating saw 14according to another embodiment of the invention. The shoe assembly 410shown in FIG. 9 includes similar structure to the shoe assemblies 10 and110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, respectively, and described above;therefore, like structure is identified by the same reference numeral.The shoe assembly 410 includes the shoe 30 having a cover layer 418positioned on the workpiece side 62 of the main portion 42. The coverlayer 418 is made of plastic to prevent marring of the workpiecesurface. However, in other embodiments, the cover layer is made ofrubber or any suitable material known in the art. The cover layer 418provides a modified guiding surface 422 to position the shoe assembly410 against the workpiece and prevents marking on the workpiece.

FIG. 10 illustrates a shoe assembly 510 for the reciprocating saw 14according to another embodiment of the invention. The shoe assembly 510shown in FIG. 10 includes similar structure to the shoe assemblies 10and 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, respectively, and describedabove; therefore, like structure is identified by the same referencenumeral. Shoe assembly 510 includes a shoe 514 having V-shaped sidewalls518 a, 518 b that extend from a workpiece side to define a guidingsurface 522 of the shoe 514. The sidewalls 518 a, 518 b extend from atop side 526 to a bottom side 530 of the shoe 514 and legs 524 a, 524 band 528 a, 528 b of each sidewall 518 a, 518 b are oriented at an anglewith respect to each other. In the illustrated construction, the legs524 a, 524 b and 528 a, 528 b of each of the sidewalls 518 a, 518 b areangled approximately 120 degrees apart. In other constructions, the legs524 a, 524 b and 528 a, 528 b may be oriented non-parallel to oneanother at an angle less than 180 degrees. The V-shaped sidewalls 518 a,518 b are configured to center a pipe, or other workpiece having acurved surface, on the guiding surface 522 between the legs 524 a, 524 band 528 a, 528 b during the cutting operation by engaging the workpiece.In other embodiments, the sidewalls may be rounded or have another shapeconfigured for providing a centering or similar positioning function. Inother embodiments, the features of the shoe 514 may be incorporated intoa shoe accessory for use with the shoe 30.

FIG. 11 illustrates a shoe assembly 610 for the reciprocating saw 14according to another embodiment of the invention. The shoe assembly 610shown in FIG. 11 includes similar structure to the shoe assemblies 10and 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, respectively, and describedabove; therefore, like structure is identified by the same referencenumeral. Shoe assembly 610 includes a shoe 622 having substantiallyparallel sidewalls 618 a, 618 b that extend away from a workpiece sideto define a guiding surface 620 of the shoe 622. The sidewalls 618 a,618 b include notches or teeth 614 a, 614 b having pointed peaks. Theteeth 614 a, 614 b are configured to grip the workpiece material. Inother embodiments, the shoe accessory may only have one sidewall withteeth. In alternate embodiments, the teeth may be larger or smaller. Theteeth may also include more space between adjacent teeth. In otherembodiments, the features of shoe 622 may be incorporated into a shoeaccessory for use with the shoe 30.

The shoe accessories are configured to be useable with existing shoeassemblies for tools, such as reciprocating saws. Additionally, the shoeaccessories are configured to be interchangeable with the same shoeassembly to perform various cutting operations depending on thecharacteristics of the guiding surface of the shoe accessory.Accordingly, multiple saw shoe accessories may be used with the samereciprocating saw for various cutting purposes. In other embodiments,the entire shoe 30 may be made interchangeable from the shoe support 26and various shoes, such as the shoes described above and other shoes,may be replaceable.

FIG. 12 illustrates another tool 714, such as a reciprocating saw,having a wire frame shoe 710. The tool 714 generally includes a mainbody 718 having an electric motor 720 provided with power via anelectric cord 724, and in further embodiments by a battery pack. Theillustrated tool 714 is an AC version having the electrical cordconnection 724; however, in further embodiments, DC versions of the tool714 including a rechargeable, removable battery pack are possible. Theelectric motor 720 provides reciprocating motion to a reciprocatingspindle by a mechanical arrangement (not shown) to reciprocate a sawblade 722.

The wire frame shoe 710 is preferably formed from a metal pipe or wireby bending. Preferably, a single pipe or wire is bent to form the shoe710. The shoe 710 is secured relative to the main body 718 of the tool714 and provides a guiding surface 730 for resting the tool 714 againsta workpiece (not shown) during cutting operations. The shoe 710 includeslongitudinally-extending posts 734 at least partially disposed withinthe main body 718 of the tool 714 for coupling the shoe 710 to the tool714.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wire frame shoe 710 is formed from acontinuous metal pipe or wire. Ends of the shoe 710 define the posts 734for coupling the shoe 710 to the tool 714. Each of the posts 734 extendsaway from the tool 714 at an angle to a generally flat portion thatdefines a bottom portion 746 of the shoe 710. The wire then bends atapproximately 90 degrees (although in other embodiments the angle may begreater or smaller) upward from the bottom portion 746 to form sidemembers 754 of the shoe. The shoe 710 provides the guiding surface 730on a workpiece side 762 of the side members 754 for positioning the shoe710 relative to the workpiece. At a top of the side members 754, thewire bends approximately 90 degrees towards the tool 714 to define a topportion 750 of the tool, and the top portion 750 is connected by anintermediate section 752 of the wire. The shoe 710 defines an opening758 between the side members 754 to allow the saw blade 722 to passtherethrough. The opening 758 may be any shape configured to receive thesaw blade 722. In another embodiment, the wire frame shoe may bereversed so a top portion connects to the tool rather than a bottomportion.

The wire frame shoe 710 is manufactured of metal; however, in otherembodiments, the shoe may be manufactured from plastic or similarmaterial. The shoe 30 is manufactured via a bending operation; however,in other embodiments, the shoe may be formed from other manufacturingmethods.

Referring to FIGS. 13-16, a shoe accessory 766 is used with the shoe 710to provide a modified guiding surface 768. The shoe accessory 766 snapson, or otherwise couples to, the shoe 710 to surround at least theguiding surface 730 and the workpiece side 762 such that in operationonly the shoe accessory 766 engages the workpiece. The shoe accessory766 includes a main portion 769, a bottom wall 770, a top wall 772, andsidewalls 774 extending between the bottom and top walls 770, 772. Thewalls of the shoe accessory 766 function similarly to the main portion42, bottom wall 46, top wall 50, and sidewalls 54 a, 54 b of the shoe 30shown and described with respect to FIG. 1.

The bottom wall 770 is located on one end of the main portion 769opposite the top wall 772. The bottom wall 770 provides an additionalsurface to enable positioning of the shoe 710 against the workpiece. Thetop wall 772 extends in a direction toward the tool 714 to provide agrip for a user. The user may grip the shoe accessory 766 at the topwall 772 to enable better positioning of the tool against the workpiece.The top wall 772 and the bottom wall 770 also provide a grip locationfor a user when coupling and decoupling the shoe accessory 766 from theshoe 710.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, and similar to the shoe 30 of FIG. 1, the mainportion 769 of the shoe accessory 766 includes an opening 776 thatreceives the saw blade 722. Opening 776 corresponds to and aligns withopening 758 of the shoe 710 to allow the saw blade 722 to pass through.The opening 776 may be any shape configured to receive the saw blade722. The main portion 769 further includes a workpiece side, or face,778 configured to be positioned proximate the workpiece and a tool side,or face, 780 (FIGS. 15-16) opposite the workpiece side, or face, 778.The tool side 780 includes a rear surface that faces the guiding surface730 of the shoe 710.

The shoe accessory 766 provides the guiding surface 768 on the workpieceside 778 for using the shoe 710 in relation to the workpiece. Theguiding surface 768 differs from the guiding surface 730 of the shoe710. The workpiece side 778 of the main portion 769 has a planar surfacethat provides more surface area for engaging the workpiece, whichconstitutes a characteristic that distinguishes the guiding surface 768provided by the shoe accessory 766 from the guiding surface 730 providedby the shoe 710. Further, the shoe accessory 766 provides additionalsurfaces for engaging the workpiece that are angled differently than thebottom portion 746 and the top portion 750 of the shoe 710, such as thebottom wall 770 and the top wall 772, respectively, which alsoconstitute a guiding surface. Thus, the shoe accessory 766 provides amodified guiding surface.

The shoe accessory 766 is formed of plastic to prevent burring or othermarking of the workpiece. However, in other embodiments, the shoeaccessory 766 may be comprised of metal or similar material. The shoeaccessory 766 is formed by molding or other manufacturing methods.

FIG. 15 shows a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory 766 coupledto the wire frame shoe 710, and FIG. 16 shows a rear perspective view ofthe shoe accessory 766 alone. The shoe accessory 766 includes a pair ofprojections 782 extending inwardly from each of the side walls 774toward a space 788 rearward of the opening 776. The projections 782engage, or abut, the side members 754 of the shoe 710 on a rearward sideof the side members 754. A front side of the side members, i.e., theguiding surface 730, engages, or abuts, the tool side 780 of the shoeaccessory 766. Thus, the projections 782 retain the shoe accessory 766on the shoe 710 by extending over the side members 754 of the shoe 710and securing the side members 754 between the projections 782 and thetool side 780 of the shoe accessory 766.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a shoe accessory 784 for the shoe 710 accordingto another embodiment of the invention. The shoe accessory 784 includessimilar structure to the shoe accessory 766 illustrated in FIGS. 13-16and described above; therefore, like structure is identified by the samereference numeral. In addition to including the features of the shoeaccessory 766, the shoe accessory 784 also includes projections 786 a,786 b, 786 c, 786 d extending from the workpiece side, or face, 778 andaway from the tool 714. In the illustrated construction, fourprojections 786 a, 786 b, 786 c, 786 d, or sidewalls, are arrangedproximate four corners of the opening 776. Two projections 786 a, 786 bare positioned in parallel proximate the top wall 772, or a top edge,and two more projections 786 c, 786 d are positioned proximate thebottom wall 770, or a bottom edge, parallel with and opposite theprojections 786 a, 786 b.

The projections 786 a, 786 b, 786 c, 786 d of the shoe accessory 784 areconfigured to center a pipe or workpiece during the cutting operation,similar to the shoe 514 illustrated in FIG. 10. The projections 786 a,786 b, 786 c, 786 d provide pairs of opposed inclined surfaces 790 a,790 b, 790 c, 790 d that intersect the workpiece side, or face, 778 forengaging and centering a pipe or other workpiece therebetween. Opposedinclined surfaces 790 a, 790 c and 790 b, 790 d along with theintermediate main portion 769 define a partial V-shaped surface forengaging and centering a pipe or other workpiece. In other embodiments,the sidewalls may be rounded or have another shape configured forproviding a centering or similar positioning function. The projections786 a, 786 b, 786 c, 786 d provide the guiding surface 768, whichdiffers from the guiding surface 730 of the shoe 710. The projections786 a, 786 b, 786 c, 786 d constitute a characteristic thatdistinguishes the guiding surface 768 provided by the shoe accessory 784from the guiding surface 730 provided by the shoe 710. Thus, the shoeaccessory 784 provides a modified guiding surface.

The shoe accessory 784 is formed of plastic to prevent burring or othermarking of the workpiece. However, in other embodiments, the shoeaccessory 784 may be comprised of metal or similar material. The shoeaccessory 784 is formed by molding or other manufacturing methods.

FIG. 19 shows a rear perspective view of the shoe accessory 784 coupledto the wire frame shoe 710, and FIG. 20 shows a rear perspective view ofthe shoe accessory 784 alone. The shoe accessory 784 includes a pair ofprojections 782 extending inwardly from each of the side walls 774toward a space 788 rearward of the opening 776. The projections 782engage the side members 754 of the shoe 710 on a rearward side of theside members 754. A front side of the side members, i.e., the guidingsurface 730, engages the tool side 780 of the shoe accessory 784. Thus,the projections 782 retain the shoe accessory 784 on the shoe 710 byextending over the side members 754 of the shoe 710 and securing theside members 754 between the projections 782 and the tool side 780 ofthe shoe accessory 784.

In operation, a user snaps the shoe accessory 766, 784 to the wire frameshoe 710, causing the projections 782 to extend over the side members754 of the shoe 710 and retain the side members 754 between theprojections 782 and a surface on the tool side 780 of the accessory 766,784. For removal, a user grips the tool side 780 of the top wall 772and/or the bottom wall 770 and provides a force suitable for disengagingthe inward projections 782 from the side members 754.

In other constructions, the workpiece side of the shoe accessory 766,784 may include other types of guiding surfaces, such as the teeth 94 a,94 b described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5, the cover layer 418described above with respect to FIG. 9, and others.

FIG. 21 illustrates a circle and edge guide 810, or accessory guide,which removably couples to the wire frame shoe 710 of the reciprocatingsaw 714. The guide 810 includes a shoe attachment portion 814, apositioning portion 818, and a threaded shaft 822 connecting the shoeattachment portion 814 to the positioning portion 818 such that thepositioning portion 818 is rotatable relative to the shaft 822, and thusrelative to the attachment portion 814.

The shoe attachment portion 814 includes arms 826 a, 826 b, 826 c, 826 dextending outwardly from central portion 870 of the attachment portion814. The arms 826 a-826 d provide a snap-fit connection between theattachment portion 814 and the shoe 710. Each of the arms 826 a-826 dincludes a snap recess 828 for engaging the wire frame shoe 710. Thefirst arm 826 a engages a top of the top portion 750 of the shoe 710.The second arm 826 b engages an inner side of an inclined portion 832 ofthe shoe 710, which is located angularly between each of the posts 734and the bottom portion 746. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondarm 826 b is positioned at a non-perpendicular angle between the firstand third arms 826 a, 826 c. The third arm 826 c engages a bottom of thebottom portion 746 of the shoe 710, opposite the first arm 826 a. Thefourth arm 826 d engages the side member 754 between the bottom portion746 and the top portion 750. In the illustrated construction, the fourtharm 826 d extends from the central portion 870 opposite the first arm826 b, and is positioned perpendicularly between the first arm 826 a andthe third arm 826 c.

In the illustrated construction, four outwardly extending arms 826 a,826 b, 826 c, 826 d are employed. In other constructions, a differentnumber of arms may be arranged in a suitable fashion to couple the shoeattachment portion 814 to the shoe 710, or the arms may be arranged atdifferent angles. In other constructions, other configurations andarrangements are possible for securing the positioning portion 818relative to the tool 714. In still other constructions, the shoeattachment portion 814 may have a shape or construction for attachmentto other types of shoes, such as the shoe 30 shown in FIG. 1.

The shaft 822 defines a central axis 836 and is coupled to the centralportion 870 of the shoe attachment portion 814 at a first axial end suchthat the arms 826 a, 826 b, 826 c, 826 d extend outwardly therefrom in aplane generally normal to the axis 836. The shoe attachment portion 814is fixedly coupled to the shaft 822 such that the shaft 822 does notrotate relative thereto. The shaft 822 is coupled to the positioningportion 818 at a second axial end by way of a bushing 844 such that thepositioning portion 818 is free to rotate relative to the shaft 822. Aknob 840 is provided adjacent the second axial end of the shaft 822 tolocate the positioning portion 818 at one of a plurality of axiallocations along a length of the shaft 822 with respect to the attachmentportion 814. The knob 840 includes a threaded inner surface that engagesthe threaded shaft 822 and is rotatable about the threaded shaft 822 foraxial movement with respect to the shaft 822. The knob 840 abuts thepositioning portion 818, which is axially translatable and free torotate with respect to the shaft 822, thus causing axial movement of thepositioning portion 818 along the shaft 822 and acting as a stop tolimit the axial position of the positioning portion 818 relative to theshaft 822. In other constructions, the shoe attachment portion 814 isrotatably coupled to the shaft 822 by way of a bushing.

The positioning portion 818 includes an edge guide 848 and a circleguide 852. The edge guide 848 includes a flange 872 having a benddefining first and second planar flange portions 874 a, 874 b angledapproximately 90 degrees apart. The joint of the first and second planarflange portions 874 a, 874 b defines an edge 880 that engages an edge ofa workpiece. Each of the planar flange portions 874 a, 874 b include aguide surface 878 that slides along the workpiece as a cut is beingperformed with the tool 714 to ensure that the cut is made at aconsistent distance from the edge of the workpiece.

The circle guide 852 includes a flange 856 having an aperture 860defining a central axis 864, which is generally perpendicular to thecentral axis 836 of the shaft 822. In the illustrated construction, thecentral axis 864 of the aperture 860 lies generally parallel to the edge880 defined between the first and second planar flange portions 874 a,874 b. However, in other constructions, the aperture 860 may be locatedon a different section of the positioning portion 818. For example, theaperture 860 may be located such that the central axis 864 of theaperture 860 is perpendicular to the edge 880 defined between the firstand second planar flange portions 874 a, 874 b. In such constructions,the aperture 860 may be located, for example, on a third flange portion876 extending away from the second planar flange portion 874 b in adirection generally parallel to the first planar flange portion 874 a.

The flange 856, or another flange having the aperture 860, is configuredto engage a nail, or other fastener or projection (not shown), in theworkpiece by way of the aperture 860 such that the tool 714 is rotatableabout the central axis 864 to make a circular cut, whereby the centralaxis 864 defines a center point of the circular cut. The positioningportion 818 includes support arms 868 a, 868 b extending radially fromthe bushing 844 and connected to the edge guide 848 and circle guide854, respectively.

The shoe attachment portion 814 and the positioning portion 818 areformed of a metal by a suitable manufacturing method, such as casting.In other constructions, the shoe attachment portion 814 and thepositioning portion 818 may be formed of another suitable material, suchas plastic, by other suitable manufacturing methods, such as injectionmolding.

In other embodiments, the circle and edge guide 810 can be configured toattach to other types of saws including other reciprocating saws,jigsaws, and the like.

In operation, a user places the edge guide 848 on a workpiece edge andoperates the tool 714. The edge 880 is aligned with and engages theworkpiece edge. The user rotates the tool 714 about the axis 836 of theshaft 822 and into engagement with the workpiece to make a cut whilesliding the edge guide 848 along the workpiece edge; thus, the cut ismade at a consistent distance from the workpiece edge. The distance fromthe workpiece edge can be adjusted by moving the positioning portion 818to another location along the shaft 822. The user rotates the knob 840in a first direction to move the positioning portion 818 axially withrespect to the shaft 822 toward the attachment portion 814. The userrotates the knob 840 in a second direction, opposite the firstdirection, to move the positioning portion 818 axially with respect tothe shaft 822 away from the attachment portion 814.

To cut a circle in the workpiece, the user adjusts the axial position ofthe positioning portion 818 relative to the shaft 822, as describedabove, depending upon a radius of the desired circle. The user placesthe circle guide 852 over a fastener or other projection on theworkpiece such that the fastener or other projection enters the aperture860. The user rotates the tool 714 about the axis 836 of the shaft 822toward the workpiece and into engagement with the workpiece to make acut. Using the aperture 860 as a pivot point, the user rotates the guide810 and the tool 714 about the aperture 860, and thus the axis 864, tomake a circular cut. The radius of the circle is equal to the distancefrom the saw blade 722 (i.e., a plane of symmetry of the shoe 710) tothe central axis 864 of the aperture 860 and is adjusted by locating thepositioning portion 818 on the shaft 822 at a location corresponding toa desired radius.

FIGS. 22 and 22A illustrate a band saw 910 and an angle guide 912 (FIG.22A) embodying some aspects of the invention. The illustrated band saw910 is an AC version having an electrical cord connection 914; however,in further embodiments, DC versions of the band saw 910 including arechargeable, removable battery pack are possible.

The band saw 910 includes a housing or frame 916 supporting a motor 918and a gear box 920. The motor 918 is drivingly connected to a drivemechanism (not shown) at least partially housed within the gear box 920.The motor 918 and the drive mechanism are operable to drive a continuousband saw blade 922 to cut a workpiece. As described herein, the band saw910 includes a front 924 and a rear 926. The front 924 is defined as theside being proximate the portion of the band saw blade 922 that cuts theworkpiece and the rear 926 is defined as the side proximate the portionof the band saw blade 922 that does not cut the workpiece. The rear 926is otherwise described as being opposite the front 924.

The housing 916 includes a main handle 928 supporting a switch assembly930 to provide power to the band saw 910. The switch assembly 930 isoperable to control operation of the motor 918. The band saw 910 alsoincludes an auxiliary handle 932 for a user's other hand. Generally, thehandles 928, 932 are shaped and arranged for two-handed operation of theband saw 910 as the workpiece is cut. In the illustrated construction,each handle 928, 932 has an ergonomic design to provide comfortablegripping and controlled operation of the band saw 910.

The housing 916 includes a first portion 934 and a second portion 936.The first portion 934 and the second portion 936 are spaced apart fromone another and define a U-shaped cavity 938 defining a cut zone 940therebetween. The drive mechanism generally includes a drive wheelpulley and a driven wheel pulley. The drive wheel rotates about a drivewheel axis defined by a drive wheel axle and is drivingly connected tothe motor 918 via a drive train. The driven wheel rotates about a drivenwheel axis defined by a driven wheel axle and is rotatably supported bythe housing 916. The drive wheel is positioned in the first portion 934of the housing 916, and the driven wheel is positioned in the secondportion 936 of the housing 916. A wheel tire is coupled to each of theperipheries of the drive wheel and the driven wheel. Each wheel tire isa circular-shaped ring formed of a soft and/or flexible elastomericmaterial that is able to lock or adhere to the respective wheel. Theband saw blade 922 extends around the drive wheel and the driven wheeland grips the tires and, as a result, motion from the drive wheel istransmitted to the band saw blade 922 via the tires.

The band saw 910 also includes a workpiece bumper 942, or shoe, forpositioning against the workpiece. The workpiece bumper 942 is coupledto the housing 916 by way of a plurality of fasteners (not shown) thatpass through apertures 946 (FIGS. 23-23C) in the workpiece bumper 942and into the housing 916.

The workpiece bumper 942 includes a workpiece-engaging surface 948 (FIG.22). The bumper 942, and in particular the workpiece-engaging surface948, engages a workpiece 958 in order to secure the workpiece relativeto the band saw blade 922 within the cut zone 940 during a cuttingoperation. The workpiece bumper 942 includes a U-shaped groove or slot950 in which the band saw blade 922 is positioned. The direction ofmovement of the band saw blade 922 through the slot 950 is generallyperpendicular (i.e., substantially 90 degrees) to a plane 952 (FIG. 22)defined by the workpiece-engaging surface 948.

As shown in FIGS. 22A, 23, 23A and 24, the angle guide 912 is coupled tothe workpiece bumper 942 for providing a modified workpiece-engagingsurface 956 that is positioned at an angle α with respect to a tool sideedge 972 of the angle guide 912, and similarly, with respect to theworkpiece-engaging surface 948 of the workpiece bumper 942 (i.e., theplane 952). In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece-engagingsurface 956 is non-parallel to the tool side edge 972 and the plane 952.The angle guide 912 allows a user to make an angled cut in the workpiecerelative to a longitudinal axis 980 of the workpiece 958, as shown inFIG. 24, rather than a normal cut without the use of the angle guide 912(i.e., with use of only the workpiece bumper 942). A cut angle of theworkpiece is equal to angle α, which is defined by theworkpiece-engaging surface 948 and the tool side edge 972 of the angleguide 912.

The tool side edge 972 is positioned adjacent the workpiece bumper 942of the band saw 910 and lies generally in a plane that is parallel tothe plane 952 of the workpiece-engaging surface 948 of the workpiecebumper 942. The workpiece-engaging surface 956 is not perpendicular tothe direction of movement of the band saw blade 922 in the cut zone 940(as is the workpiece-engaging surface 948 of the workpiece bumper 942).Rather, the workpiece-engaging surface 956 lies at an angle β withrespect to the direction of movement of the saw blade 922 and withrespect to the portion of the saw blade 922 that lies in the cut zone940. The angle β is equal to 90−α. A second surface 974 defines a planethat is non-parallel to a plane defined by the workpiece-engagingsurface 956. In some embodiments, the second surface 974 may beperpendicular to the workpiece-engaging surface 956.

FIGS. 23 and 23A illustrate a first construction of the angle guide 912that couples to the workpiece bumper 942 by a snap engagement. The angleguide 912 includes a U-shaped groove or slot 954 that corresponds to andaligns with the slot 950 of the workpiece bumper 942. The angle guide912 is positioned over the workpiece bumper 942 such that the saw blade922 passes through the slot 954. The angle guide 912 includes inwardprojections 964 on a tool side 982 that removably snap around theworkpiece bumper 942 between the workpiece bumper 942 and the housing916 of the band saw 910. In the illustrated construction, fourprojections 964 are employed. In other constructions, fewer or moreprojections having the same or other orientations may be employed. Theworkpiece bumper 942 is secured in a space 976 between a top wall 984, abottom wall 986, sidewalls 988 a, 988 b, and a retaining surface 978,which is recessed into the angle guide 912 with respect to the tool sideedge 972. In the illustrated construction, the retaining surface 978 isdefined by edges of a web structure that provide a surface for retainingthe workpiece-engaging surface 948 of the workpiece bumper 942.

FIGS. 23B and 23C illustrate a second construction of an angle guide 968that is substantially similar to the angle guide 912 except for havingone or more magnets 970 fixedly coupled to a tool side 982 of the angleguide 968. The magnet 970 is employed, instead of projections 964, tocouple the angle guide 968 to the workpiece bumper 942. The magnet 970engages the workpiece bumper 942, which is preferably made of steel oranother ferromagnetic material in this construction, to couple the angleguide 968 to the workpiece bumper 942. In the illustrated construction,one magnet 970 is shown; however, in other constructions, two or moremagnets may be arranged on the angle guide 968 to couple the angle guide968 to the workpiece bumper 942.

In operation, as illustrated in FIG. 24, when the workpiece 958, such asa pipe, is positioned against the workpiece-engaging surface 956 of theangle guide 912, a cut is made on the workpiece 958 at the angle α withrespect to a normal cut, which is made when the workpiece-engagingsurface 948 of the workpiece bumper 946 is used. In the illustratedconstructions of FIGS. 22A-24, the angle α is approximately 30 degreesand the angle β is approximately 60 degrees. In other constructions, theangles α and β may have other values corresponding to a desired cutangle for the workpiece. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, otherconstructions include a second angle guide 960 having a angle α ofapproximately 22.5 degrees, and a third angle guide 962 having an angleα of approximately 60 degrees. FIG. 26 illustrates another constructionhaving fourth, fifth and sixth angle guides 912′, 960′ and 962′,respectively, sized and shaped to be used with a compact workpiecebumper 942′ configured for a compact band saw (not shown). Any of theangle guides may be provided with snaps 964, one or more magnets 970, orother coupling devices to be coupled to the workpiece bumper 942, 942′.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described.

1. An accessory for a reciprocating saw having a blade configured to cuta workpiece and a shoe including a guiding surface for engaging theworkpiece, the accessory comprising: a body having a first face and asecond face opposite the first face, the body including a memberproximate the second face for coupling the accessory to the shoe; aguiding surface defined on the first face of the body for engaging aworkpiece; and an opening in the body for receiving the blade; whereinthe guiding surface constitutes a modified surface configured to differfrom the guiding surface of the shoe by at least one characteristic. 2.The accessory of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a projectionformed on the second face of the accessory that provides a snap-fitconnection between the accessory and the shoe.
 3. The accessory of claim1, wherein the at least one characteristic includes a plurality of teethconfigured to grip the workpiece.
 4. The accessory of claim 3, whereinthe plurality of teeth are positioned proximate a portion of theopening.
 5. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the body includes a pairof sidewalls extending rearward from opposite side edges of the body,and wherein at least one of the sidewalls extends downwardly from abottom edge of the body to define a curved segment that extends forwardfrom the first face of the body, and further wherein the curved segmentdefines the guiding surface of the first face and provides a pivotableguiding surface.
 6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the body includesa top wall extending rearward from a top edge of the body, the top wallproviding a grip.
 7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the at least onecharacteristic includes a pair of opposed projections extending from thefirst face of the body, one of the projections positioned proximate atop edge of the body, the other projection positioned proximate a bottomedge of the body, and each of the projections including an inclinedsurface intersecting the first face, the inclined surface of oneprojection facing the inclined surface of the other projection, andfurther wherein the projections and the first face define the guidingsurface of the main body for locating a workpiece having a curvedsurface with respect to the accessory.
 8. A power tool comprising: amain body including a motor configured to transfer motion to a cuttingblade; a shoe extending from the main body, the shoe comprising, a firstguiding surface for engaging a workpiece, and an opening through whichthe cutting blade passes; and a shoe accessory removably coupled to theshoe, the shoe accessory comprising, a rear surface facing the firstguiding surface of the shoe, and a second guiding surface opposite therear surface and for engaging the workpiece, the second guiding surfacehaving at least one characteristic that differs from the first guidingsurface.
 9. The power tool of claim 8, wherein when the shoe accessoryis coupled to the shoe, the first guiding surface is covered such thatduring operation of the power tool the second guiding surface engagesthe workpiece.
 10. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the at least onecharacteristic includes a plurality of teeth configured to grip theworkpiece.
 11. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the shoe accessoryincludes a top wall extending rearward from a top edge of the shoeaccessory, the top wall providing a grip.
 12. The power tool of claim 8,wherein a pair of sidewalls extend rearward from opposite side edges ofthe shoe accessory, and at least one of the sidewalls extends downwardlyfrom a bottom edge of the shoe accessory and defines a curved segmentthat extends forward from the second guiding surface, and furtherwherein the curved segment defines a pivotable portion of the secondguiding surface.
 13. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the at least onecharacteristic includes a pair of opposed projections extending from thesecond guiding surface of the shoe accessory, one of the projectionspositioned proximate a top edge of the shoe accessory, the otherprojection positioned proximate a bottom edge of the shoe accessory, andeach of the projections including an inclined surface intersecting thesecond guiding surface, the inclined surface of one projection facingthe inclined surface of the other projection, and further wherein theprojections define an inclined portion of the second guiding surface ofthe shoe accessory for locating a workpiece having a curved surface withrespect to the accessory.
 14. An accessory for a reciprocating sawhaving a shoe, the accessory comprising: a body having a first face anda second face opposite the first face, the body for coupling to the shoewherein the body covers a guiding surface of the shoe; a guiding surfaceof the body defined by the first face of the body and for engaging aworkpiece, wherein the guiding surface of the body provides a modifiedsurface that differs from the guiding surface of the shoe; an openingformed in the body for receiving a blade of the reciprocating saw; and aprojection formed on the second face of the body for coupling theaccessory to the shoe by abutting a portion of the shoe.
 15. Theaccessory of claim 14, wherein the first face of the body includes aplurality of teeth for gripping the workpiece.
 16. The accessory ofclaim 15, wherein the plurality of teeth are positioned around a portionof the opening.
 17. The accessory of claim 14 wherein the body includesa top wall extending rearward from a top edge of the body, the top wallproviding a grip.
 18. The accessory of claim 14, wherein a pair ofsidewalls extend rearward from opposite side edges of the body, and atleast one of the sidewalls extends downwardly from a bottom edge of thebody to define a curved segment that extends forward from the first faceof the body, and further wherein the curved segment defines the guidingsurface of the first face and provides a pivotable guiding surface. 19.The accessory of claim 14, further comprising a pair of opposedprojections extending from the first face of the body, one of theprojections positioned proximate a top edge of the body, the otherprojection positioned proximate a bottom edge of the body, and each ofthe projections including an inclined surface intersecting the firstface, the inclined surface of one projection facing the inclined surfaceof the other projection, and further wherein the projections and thefirst face define the guiding surface of the main body for locating aworkpiece having a curved surface with respect to the accessory.
 20. Apower tool comprising: a main body including a motor configured totransfer motion to a cutting blade; a shoe extending from the main body,the shoe comprising, a first guiding surface for engaging a workpiece,and a first opening through which the cutting blade passes; and a shoeaccessory removably coupled to the shoe, the shoe accessory comprising,a rear surface facing the first guiding surface of the shoe, a secondguiding surface opposite the rear surface and for engaging theworkpiece, the second guiding surface having at least one characteristicthat differs from the first guiding surface, a second opening throughwhich the cutting blade passes, the second opening configured to alignwith the first opening when the shoe accessory is coupled to the shoe,and a projection formed on the rear face of the accessory for couplingthe accessory to the shoe by abutting a portion of the shoe.
 21. Thepower tool of claim 20, wherein the rear surface covers the firstguiding surface when the shoe accessory is coupled to the shoe such thatin operation the second guiding surface engages the workpiece.
 22. Thepower tool of claim 20, wherein the second guiding surface includes aplurality of teeth configured to grip the workpiece.
 23. The power toolof claim 22, wherein the plurality of teeth are positioned proximate aportion of the second opening.
 24. The power tool of claim 20, whereinthe shoe accessory includes a top wall extending rearward from a topedge of the shoe accessory, the top wall providing a grip.
 25. The powertool of claim 20, wherein a pair of sidewalls extend rearward fromopposite side edges of the shoe accessory, and at least one of thesidewalls extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the shoe accessoryand defines a curved segment that extends forward from the secondguiding surface, and further wherein the curved segment defines apivotable portion of the second guiding surface.
 26. The power tool ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one characteristic includes a pair ofopposed projections extending from the second guiding surface of theshoe accessory, one of the projections positioned proximate a top edgeof the shoe accessory, the other projection positioned proximate abottom edge of the shoe accessory, and each of the projections includingan inclined surface intersecting the second guiding surface, theinclined surface of one projection facing the inclined surface of theother projection, and further wherein the projections define an inclinedportion of the second guiding surface of the shoe accessory for locatinga workpiece having a curved surface with respect to the accessory.27-61. (canceled)